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Billy Graham has been sharing the good news about Jesus with people for over 75 years.

Today, on his 96th birthday, he’s still doing just that.

The North Carolina country preacher, who’s brought the gospel to millions around the globe, is in a wheelchair now. But son, Franklin Graham says his dad’s mind is sharp as ever and he can still communicate.

Indeed.

Rev. Graham released a brand new movie today, featuring the powerful real life stories of several people, and a never before heard message of hope from Billy.

The 30 minute film, Heaven, can be viewed for free or purchased on DVD.

Happy birthday, Billy Graham! Thank you for your faithful service to The Lord, the legacy of changed lives and families, and the inspiration and example you’ve given to folks around the world, including this blogger.

This is so good. We need to remember that God has already given us the heads up on this. Our suffering isn’t random, it’s not pointless, it’s a gift. No, seriously.

“…We also REJOICE in our sufferings, because we KNOW that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, CHARACTER; and character, HOPE. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his LOVE into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has GIVEN US.” – Romans 5:3-5

Next year will mark ten years since Hillsong United first released this song. In the intervening decade, From The Inside Out has been sung hundreds of thousands of times, in churches all over the world and is still being played on radio stations across the globe.

Our Song of the Day is a new take on this modern classic from one of today’s biggest Contemporary Christian artists, For King & Country.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

When we’re empty and desperate, when things seem hopeless, sometimes the best thing to do is pause and remember what God’s already done in our hearts. To delight in His glory, to remember, and tap into the power He’s already shown us.

Yesterday, Luke Smallbone, one half of Christian artist For King & Country, published this message on the band’s facebook:

“If you gave me a choice to redo the last few years of my life and eliminate my struggle with illness, I’d choose to walk through it all once again, because today I send this message to you as a man more full of joy and hope than ever before. Sickness has transformed my perspective on life, marriage, God and music.

The following video documents this story which, as you’ll see, is one of the most raw and personal songs I’ve ever been a part of. My hope is that through my journey and my struggle, you’ll be truly impacted and encouraged. Here the story behind “Without You (feat. Courtney).” Stand strong and carry on. – Luke”

Luke is a living testimony of the truth found in James 1:2:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”

I think that’s one of those verses we kind of blow off. We read it and think something along the lines of, “oh, that’s not for me!” We think it’s for some sort of spiritual super star, not mere mortals like us.

But the truth is, we become spiritual ninjas only in, under and through the fire.

It’s never easy while the storms are raging, but if we find the strength to trust that God is refining us, that he’s got us, our faith will be rewarded on the other side.

Think Joseph, Mary and Martha, and David. Just a few examples from God’s Word of people who went through terrible, almost unimaginable trials only to find great joy in the morning.

If you see more then what’s in front of you
You might see more of heavens view.

It’s kind of ironic that I’d choose this song for our SOTD.

Today doesn’t feel beautiful.

I mean, the sun is shining where I am at the moment; but if I’m being honest, life is anything but blue skies and butterflies right now.

We’re facing scary things. Giants, mountains, aches, worries and other challenges. It feels impossible sometimes. It seems like there’s just no way.

But as much as that FEELS like reality, the truth is, we’re loved by the God who created this universe. A world of minute details and intricate systems.

As we stand here, we are spinning around in space at 1000 miles per hour, in perfect safety, thanks to something we call gravity. A scientific principle so reliable and dependable we call it a “law.”

I was talking with my daughter about this last week. If we could see this ride, we’d never get on. Stepping onto the earth, would feel dangerous and unsafe, like jumping onto an escalator moving 500 times faster than we’re used to. (Avg escalator speed is less than two miles per hour.)

In truth, we’re not going to fly off the planet. But if we could see it spinning as we stepped on, our minds wouldn’t believe it. We’d have a hard time trusting in the gravitational force that we couldn’t see, explain, or really even comprehend.

I think that’s part of why Jesus tells us to fix our eyes, not on our circumstances, or the swirling seas, but on Him.

I’m filing this one under #NoteToSelf.

It seems we go through seasons where we need constant reminders of God’s promise that he will never leave us or forsake us. Sometimes it seems so hopeless and we feel so alone.

But no matter how dark these days and nights may be, God’s Word says that today is beautiful.

“This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

As we hurdle through the time, space and challenges of each day, there’s another truth we can absolutely rely on: God’s got this.